US Naval plaque under the hammer

The plaque is a relic of a time when almost 6,000 US Navy and Marine Corps personnel, based at Clooney and Rossdowney, mixed daily with Maiden City men and women during WWII.

Gerry McAfee, McAfee Auctions, who will sell the item said: “We have a two day sale beginning on the 30th September featuring many first class antiques some estimated in their thousands but with some items their worth is in the stories they tell.

“This plaque is part of Derry’s rich history a reminder of a time when it played a major role in the fight to win the war.

“This is one of those items that I wish could speak for itself because what tales this plaque could tell us all.

“Our hope is that a County Londonderry man or woman keeps the plaque in the city it was created for and hopefully puts it on display so we can remember with pride the key role played by the people of Londonderry in the war.”

Northern Ireland’s official war historian, Professor J W Blake claimed that from a British point of view: “Londonderry held the key to Victory in the Atlantic... Londonderry was the most important escort base in the North West approaches.”

Gerry continued: “We know from official wartime reports that so crucial a role did Derry play in the Battle of the Atlantic that at the conclusion of the war the quay at Lisahally was designated for the surrender of many German U-Boats.

“It is amazing to me that this one piece of metal holds all of this history - it’s the wonder of antiques.”

The US Naval Base finally closed its doors in 1977, it had been operating as a US radio station for some years prior to this, ending a 35 year history.

“With the advent of satellites as the favoured way for the US military to communicate with its troops the base was finally decommissioned.

“The US Navy left Derry City then but their memories live on in the minds of the people and the buildings and items they left behind such as this plaque.”

McAfee Auctions will sell the plaque on October 1 in their Ballymoney Saleroom, 51 Main Street, Ballymoney.

This plaque is part of a two night sale, starting on September 30, of approximately 1200 lots of antique and general furnishings including clocks, paintings, silver, jewellery, furniture and collectibles.

Viewing commenced yesterday Tuesday, September 28 and today Wednesday, September 29 between 3pm and 5pm and 7pm and 8.30pm and on the days of sale from 4pm.

For further information log onto www.mcafeepropertiesandmortgages.com or call the auction house direct on 028 27 667669.